(a) The tufa and associated sand structures at Mono Lake are a valuable geologic and scientific natural resource and are unique in North America for their beauty, abundance, diversity, and public accessibility. Their extreme fragility requires special measures for their protection and preservation for the enjoyment and education of the public.

(b) The Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve is hereby established as a unit of the state park system and shall consist of the state-owned portions of the Mono Lake bed lying at or below the elevation of 6,417 feet above sea level. As soon as practicable after January 1, 1982, the State Lands Commission shall issue a permit for occupancy to the department pursuant to Section 6221.

(c) (1) The reserve shall include, and the department shall manage, all resources within the reserve’s boundaries, including, but not limited to, the waters of Mono Lake.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1), nothing in this subdivision grants the department authority over any of the following:

(A) The instream flow requirements of the tributaries to Mono Lake.

(B) The water surface elevation of Mono Lake.

(C) The water production, diversion, storage, and conveyance activities of the City of Los Angeles.

(D) The determination of water quality standards for Mono Lake.

(d) As soon as practicable after January 1, 1982, the State Lands Commission shall issue a permit for occupancy to the department pursuant to Section 6221.

(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 702, Sec. 10. Effective September 23, 2004.)